Sharp Aquos LC32P70E review

As mentioned, the screen is still high-definition 'compatible', but HD content will be downscaled to 540 lines, which basically defeats the object. As long as watching terrestrial TV and standard DVDs is all you want, then this specification is fine. But anyone interested in exploring high definition, now or in the future, should turn their attention elsewhere.

Nonetheless, there are both integrated analogue and digital Freeview tuners, with an accompanying CI card slot that lets you receive subscription channels from TopUp TV. A range of advanced picture-enhancing technologies has been applied, along with low-energy consumption performance, which has earned the screen an environmentally friendly endorsement.

The on-screen menus are ordinarily presented and don't disappear while making adjustments, making it difficult to assess changes. But there are an impressive number of advanced features to augment the typical picture and sound settings. You can alter colour temperature, black levels and noise reduction to fine-tune the image. And there's also a sensor that automatically adjusts brightness settings according to your room's ambient light.

Sound options include a pseudo-surround function, which adds a sense of depth to the stereo audio. And there are other useful functions such as Auto Volume Control, which prevents adverts from blaring out, and a Clear Voice control that raises speech levels in dialogue-heavy programmes.

Considering the cost, the screen affords a full range of features that are often absent in more expensive models. And, despite the temperamental remote, operation is uncomplicated and a pleasure to use.

Performance
Judging the screen by its merits, off-air performance from both digital and analogue broadcasts is as good as we've ever seen using LCD. Images are incredibly stable, with virtually no picture noise or digital artefacts disturbing them. Dark black levels enhance edge definition and depth of field, while colours are bright and exciting without appearing unnatural.

The same can be said for standard-definition DVD performance, which produces the same distinctively bold, detailed images and intense, balanced colours. Analogue picture performance will rival any screen, irrelevant of price, which is consoling as it's the only viable option.

Although you can use the HDMI digital input to receive both 720p and 1080i high-definition signals, the subsequent downscaling leaves images in a worse state than standard definition. Edges appear frayed and unfocused, slow-panned movement is staggered and backgrounds consistently fizz with picture noise. True high-definition screens are obviously capable of taking the picture to another level, but not everyone will be signing up to Sky HD or buying a digital DVD player. And that leaves the LC32P70E as an outstanding and affordable alternative for the average buyer who just wants to watch TV.

Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Nick Hide